Austria Braces for Intense Thunderstorms and Hail

Upper and Lower Austria Under Highest Alert

Parts of Austria are facing significant weather threats, with authorities issuing warnings for severe thunderstorms and hail. The focus is particularly on the states of Upper Austria and Lower Austria, where the highest alert level is in effect.

Widespread Stormy Conditions Expected

The current storm warning map indicates a heightened risk, particularly for Styria and its surrounding areas. Tyrol, Burgenland, Styria, and Carinthia are currently under an orange warning level, signifying a less critical but still considerable threat.

Forecast Details and Regional Variations

As evening approaches, many regions can anticipate further rain showers and thunderstorms. Styria, in particular, may experience strong storm activity. Dry spells are also possible, stretching from the Innviertel region in Upper Austria towards the Vienna area.

Overnight, the rain and thunderstorms are expected to gradually subside. However, isolated showers will persist, and some areas might see clearing skies. A notable exception is the western region of Vorarlberg, bordering Switzerland and Germany, and extending into northern Tyrol. Here, rainfall is predicted to intensify by morning, also affecting the southern state of Carinthia, which borders Slovenia. Overnight temperatures are forecast to range between 7 and 17 degrees Celsius.

The severity of thunderstorms can be substantial. For example, in August 2023, severe thunderstorms in the Styrian region of Hartberg caused significant flash flooding, leading to widespread property damage and disruptions. Similar intense weather events are being monitored by meteorological services across the country.